Fire in Memphis kills 7, injures 3

An early-morning fire in Memphis killed five children and two adults, but three youths were able to escape and were being treated for burns.

Relatives identified Melissa Poole, 38, and said four of her children died with her. A niece and nephew visiting when the fire broke out also died, family members said. Alicia Bradley, 31, who said she was Poole’s cousin and was speaking on behalf of the family, gave the ages of those killed: three girls, ages 4, 7 and 9; two boys, ages 1 and 5; and an 18-year-old man.

Two teenagers and an 11-year-old boy who escaped the fire were hospitalized with second-degree burns on their faces and hands, Fire Department spokesman Lt. Keith Staples said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.